The Chip Monk Family Survival Podcast

In honor of Independence Day, today I discuss some philosophical aspects of Survivalism and Preparedness, such as being self-reliant, freedom from dependence on the typical "modern" systems of support, and other similar ramblings.  Also, although I didn't talk about this on the podcast let's remember that our freedom is not "free" but instead is preserved by those who keep us safe.  If you get a chance, say thanks to a veteran, a police officer, fireman/woman, EMT, etc. today! :) WARNING: This was another "rolling podcast" so the audio quality isn't great at times.  Sorry!

NOTE: I mentioned on Monday's podcast that the next episode I had planned was about Survivalism and Education.  Unfortunately, when I recorded an episode on that subject the sound just didn't come out as well as I would have wanted so I plan to re-record that episode and post it at a later date.  My apologies if you were tuning in for a discussion on that topic. A while back I discussed the .357 Magnum (and the closely related 38 Special) as an all-around survival caliber.  On today's episode I give the same treatment to the .44 Magnum, talking about both its good and negative points when it comes to consideration for survival purposes. Stop by our blog at: http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com

You'll notice that every so often I bring things back to a very basic level when it comes to talking about survival topics.  That is in large part to the influx of new listeners every so often but also because it's a good reminder for all of us to build on what we've already done at each stage of our Survival/Preparedness efforts. Don't forget to check out our blog at: http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com/

Crawfish, crayfish, crawdads, freshwater crabs, stone crabs, land lobsters, ditchbugs....  Whatever you call them you should know a little something about this potential alternative food source.  Today I discuss ways to harvest them, some basic information about these little critters, and other considerations in expanding your available food options. DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE CHIP MONK FAMILY SURVIVAL BLO

It's taken me a couple of months to get my head around the topic of dealing with radiation problems but today I finally talk about this important subject.  I also mention a link to the following site and highly suggest that you consider spending some time poking around there if you want to really grasp the fundamentals of this topic: http://www.ki4u.com/ AND DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE CHIP MONK FAMILY SURVIVAL BLO

This past Wednesday I posted a link on the Chip Monk Family Survival Blog about some unexpected and strange things that are happening with our sun.  The article talked about how scientists are very unsure about what exactly what to make of the almost complete disappearance of sunspots on the surface of our solar companion and what impact it might have on our weather.  Are we heading for another Ice Age?  Today I look at some things we should be paying attention to regarding this important topic. CHIP MONK FAMILY SURVIVAL BLOG Link to the YahooNews article mentioned on the sho

This is a follow-up to Episode 200 and my discussion of a few types of .308/7.62mm NATO 'battle rifles'.  A listener (Tim C.) pointed out (correctly, I might add) that there are additional options for full-power defensive rifles beyond the typical semi-autos people like to talk about.  I thought he made a good point and decided to cover the topic in brief. Here are a couple of links related to the firearm options I cover: Ishapore Enfield in .308 1916 Spanish Mauser in .308 7.62 NATO 1895 Chilean Mauser General Info on Military Surplus Bolt Action Rifle

Hooray, we've made it to 200 episodes!  Cool deal!  Now that we have that out of the way let's look at today's topic, which is actually split between two sub-topics: 1) A review of the book "Boston's Gun Bible" and 2) A cursory overview of the .308 'battle rifle' as it is often discussed in Survival/Preparedness circles.  I plan a followup discussion of at least two of the rifles that fall into the .308 'battle rifle' category in the near future so as is often the case this is merely an introduction to the topic. You can find the book I discuss at the following link: Boston's Gun Bible at Amazon.co

I'm a big fan of the modular approach to things in life.  That is, having specific dedicated "clusters" of tools, materials, etc. for any of the important aspects of your life.  In this episode I talk about different types of survival kits you can put together for different potential crises you anticipate might occur and how to create new categories geared towards your unique circumstances

Yesterday I spent some time reading the following article and the various responses from CNN viewers that follow: http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/08/what-are-the-chances-the-u-s-economy-could-eventually-trigger-violence-in-our-country/ It was truly sobering.  After reading through much of this I realized that I have covered this topic in the past but decided to take a little different approach in discussing it today and focusing on the things you can do to avoid (as much as possible, at least) being impacted by a bad turn of events if we should see something like this come to our shores. Don't forget to check out our blog at: thechippermonk.blogspot.com !

The Middle East is coming apart at the seams.  Right before our very eyes....  You may think that's a distant worry but the odds of it eventually impacting you wherever you live are quite high.  And on today's episode I discuss what we might see unfold this summer between now and September and how it might affect us and our families. Also, if you are interested in better understanding useful survival skills that have been forgotten by most of the population check out this new podcast (The Lost Skills Podcast) recently started by one of our listeners: http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=10681

On today's episode I stress the importance of creating a specific set of survival goals for yourself and your family.  And I use a surprising reminder I recently came across as evidence of the value of having such goals.

Today I discuss one of the favorite books of my youth along with various survival/preparedness elements imbedded in this great book.  My Side of the Mountain was first published in 1959 but still possesses the ability to entrance readers both young and old with the idea of "heading for the hills to live off the land" as I discussed on Tuesday's episode.  I have yet to find a better book to introduce young readers to the idea of self-reliance/self-sufficiency and as you'll hear I really enjoy talking about this particular book. Amazon.com link for this boo

Today I discuss some of the options available for people who want to have a single platform that fires more than one caliber.  I cover a few different types of rifles and pistols that offer this flexibility and some of my own recommendations for people who are interested in the survival advantages of such a weapons system. Lone Wolf's Web Site Rossi Wizard Link Handi Rifle Link Savage Model 24s Source for Chamber Adapter

This past weekend I took a good long hike up into the mountains near our little farm.  It was a wonderful experience (as it always is) to be out in God's beautiful creation but it also got me thinking about what it would truly take for someone to "head-to-the-hills" and "live-off-the-land".  In this episode I ruminate about my hike, some of the thoughts it generated, and examples of people who have more or less successfully done this sort of primitive living and been relatively successful at it. Some of the resources I mention on this episode are: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_of_the_Breed (Louis L'amour Novel) http://www.snare-trap-survive.com/ (Bruce 'Buckshot' Hemming's site) http://www.amazon.com/Incident-Big-Sky-Sheriff-Mountain/dp/0393023346 (Book about the Nichols manhunt